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why do autistic children head bang?

i am currently studying at Manchester Mertropolitan University for a Masters Degree in Special Needs Education, i have had experience of working with children with autism, as well as having a child with autism in my family.

i am writing an assignment at the moment regarding children with autism and the challenging behaviour that they can present and am struggling to find information on head banging.

i have witnessed head banging many times afther the child has had a tantrum but never understood the reason for it.

is there a specific reason why children headbang? is it a self injurous issue or do they get some sensory stimulation from it?

obviously i understand that there may not be a definitive answer to this question but what just wondering what your ideas are?
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Avatar universal
My interpretation of my sons actions is that he is usually disapointed in himself.  If someone else sees or not makes no difference -  so no, not a case of attention seeking. As he is very verbal, he will often say what he is thinking at the time. Maybe not even sensory related.  
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1629183 tn?1299616789
because we want to i have autism
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Avatar universal
It's behavioral if they're looking for a reaction. If they're using it for them, it's sensory.

My son did this for sensory reasons at a young age... then earlier this year, we went through the behavioral side earlier this year. They look really different (at least if you've done enough ABA training, haha).

I had a psychiatrist explain once that SIB (self injurious behaviors) release dopamine in your brain. I know that it calms him down eventually. The calming is probably intensified by the repetitive nature of the activity since the kiddos love repetition.

That's JMO, of course ;)
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Avatar universal
It depends who you talk to. Occupational therapists will say it's a sensory need being met. Behaviorists will say it's self injurious behavior that occurs from frustration over the lack of ability to communicate, get their needs met, or get their way.

I say it's a combination, depending on the child's history.

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1173196 tn?1292916490
My daughter never did this, but she did bite herself. It was her ill attempt to express frustration. Most kids will lash outward but autistic kids seem to turn it inward.
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